Carbuncle

In ancient belief this stone was supposed to give out a natural light without reflection; it was ranked fifth in value after diamonds, emeralds, opals, and pearls. It is among the gems ruled by the sun and is both male and female—the former distinguished by the brightness that appears to burn within it, and the latter by the light it throws off. It takes no color from any other gem applied to it, but imparts its own. The virtue of the carbuncle was said to be its power to drive away poisonous air, repress luxury, and preserve the health of the body. It was also supposed to reconcile differences among friends.

carbuncle acute inflammatory nodule of the skin caused by bacterial invasion into the hair follicles or sebaceous gland ducts. It is actually a boil , but one that has more than one focus of infection, i.e., involves several follicles or ducts. Carbuncles occur more often in men because of their more extensive body hair growth. The infection is treated by applying antibiotics systemically and directly to the lesion and by incision and drainage at the proper time.

car·bun·cle / ˈkärˌbəngkəl/ • n. 1. a severe abscess or multiple boil in the skin, typically infected with staphylococcus bacteria. 2. a bright red gem, in particular a garnet cut en cabochon. DERIVATIVES: car·bun·cu·lar / kärˈbəngkyələr/ adj.

carbuncle fiery-coloured precious stone XIII; inflammatory tumour XVI. The early forms present several types — OF. c(h)arbu(n)cle (mod. escarboucle) :- L. carbunculus small coal, carbuncle stone, red tumour, dim. of carbō coal (cf. CARBON); later assim. to L.

carbuncle (kar-bung-kŭl) n. a collection of boils with multiple drainage channels. The infection is usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus and may result in an extensive slough of skin.

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